Nestled in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Yana Caves are a must-visit place. The cave has been formed with ancient limestone formations for centuries and is a captivating sight for nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. The towering monoliths and hidden caves offer a unique experience, blending geological marvels with religious significance. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, this place will surely mesmerise you with its structure. Let’s learn more about the majestic Yana Caves with this comprehensive guide.
All About Yana Caves
The beautiful views of Yana Caves, which are dawned with dense forests and rugged rocks, are ideal for clicking your Instagram photos. The unique flora and fauna of the place will make you walk miles and miles.
Yana Caves are limestone rock formations present in Karnataka. These caves are a unique tourist attraction in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The western ghats run through the Caves, giving a beautiful and gigantic view of the caves with natural beauty. The Caves were formed millions of years ago and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Yana caves are formed by the combination of two formations, the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara, out of which the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is the tallest one, 120 m, and the Mohini Shikhara is the smaller one, 90 m. During the Maha-Shivaratri festival, there is a 10-day festival where people from different places come and visit the place, which is a primary spot during the Rath Yatra.
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Geological and Spiritual details of the Yana Caves
Yana Caves is a spectacular blend of nature and historical significance. They are approximately 50 km away from the town of Sirsi, which is close to the caves. The Caves provide a full-packed view of natural beauty at its best. They are a combination of Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. Let’s dig deep to see what these are.
1. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara
The larger of the two is the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, which stands at approx. 120 meters tall. The peak was formed by the erosion and weathering of the limestone for millions of years. When the light is pondered on the cliffs and rugged surface of the shikara, it shines bright in the natural landscape. The real adrenaline rush comes when the travellers have to reach the top of the peak while facing some challenges.
Location: Yana Caves, in Karnataka.
Timings: 6 am- 6 pm
2. Mohini Shikhara
The smaller one is the Mohini Shikhara, which is around 90 m tall. While it is not as giant as the first one, it is significant because it surrounds the Sahyadri mountains. Since the peak here is less, many people reach the top quickly, making it a hub for good photographs.
It is also made of limestone, and the dense forest around it gives it a lush green view from afar.
Best months to visit: October-March
Entry Fee: None; it is free of cost.
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3. Limestone Caves
Another attraction is the limestone cave itself. Tourists can go inside the cave to look at the carvings and past details related to it. Since these caves are under the ground, the goofy vibes give them a mysterious feeling that attracts many kids on the trip. The best thing to enjoy here is the natural retreat and the beauty of the limestone rock.
Location: yana Caves, Karnataka
Entry fee: NA
Mythological Significance
The Yana Caves are said to hold great religious and cultural importance. According to folk songs and past stories, they have been a significant part of Hindu mythology and are associated with Lord Shiva. Many visitors come to the Yana Caves to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
The best thing to do here is to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for a divine life.
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Foods To Enjoy
When visiting Yana Caves in Karnataka, India, you can explore local cuisine that reflects the region’s culinary diversity. Here are some foods to try:
- When visiting Yana Caves, you must try the famous masala and neer dosa. The neer dosa is a speciality of the Uttara district, making it worth trying.
- Goli Bhaje, Mysore Pak, and Chiroti are some things that taste the best when eaten from the source.
- If you are a non-vegetarian, you should try coastal seafood like fish curry and Prawn ghee roast.
- You must try two local foods: the Bisi Bele Bath and the Akki Roti.
Activities To Do While Visiting The Caves
The Yana Caves is a place where visitors can enjoy many activities. Some of them can be:
Trekking: The Yana Caves are giant rock formations, so trekking is famous here. People love trekking here because of the lush green environment.
Ing. The falls are so mesmerising, making every moment of travel worth it.
Visit The Sirsi: The first place on your list is Sirsi. You can enjoy the place while visiting the caves. It is filled with temples like the Marikamba and Banashankari Temple, adding a divine touch to your trip. You can also enjoy the local market there to buy gifts and antiques for your family and friends.
Beach exploration: Gokarna, also known as the place of beaches, is perfect for all beach lovers. Kudle Beach, Om Beach, and Half-moon Beach are places where you can explore and enjoy water sports.
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How To Reach
The Yana caves are situated in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. They are only accessible from the Place known as Sirsi, which is around 50 km from the caves. From Sirsi, you can reach the Yana Turnoff via a private taxi, which is 1.5 km from the turnoff.
- If you are travelling by flight, the closest airport is Hubli. From there, it is a 150 km drive to Sirsi and another 40 km to the Yana Turnoff.
- If you are coming by train, the nearest station is Kumta, around 20 km from the Yana turn-off. From here, you can take a taxi to the Yana caves.
Essential Tips While Visiting The Yana Caves
- Before planning a trip to the Yana Caves, connecting with people or state taxi drivers who can drive you there is better. Since the place is remote, some issues can occur while reaching the destination. Also, try to plan your trip during the day because of limited taxi services in the area.
- Beware of the weather conditions. It is preferred to avoid the monsoon months because of heavy rains. The best time to enjoy the Yana Caves is during the winter months.
- Accommodation options are not available in Yana. Therefore, try to book your hotels in nearby places like Kumta and Sirsi.
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The Yana caves are a dwell of natural wonder that gives a comprehensive view of Karnataka’s historical and geographical wonders. You can worship Lord Shiva there while visiting these beautiful limestone caves. The place is also famous for giving you an experience of classic South Indian foods, the same rare sweets and foods you will try only in the region. During your visit to the Caves, you can see the lush green forests and Jog Falls and enjoy native culture to the fullest. So why wait? Plan a trip to Karnataka and rejoice in the energy of South India.
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Cover Image Source : Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions About Yana Caves
What stone is Yana Caves made of ?
The Yana Caves are made of Limestone.
What time should you avoid while planning a trip to the Yana Caves?
You should avoid the monsoon months due to heavy rainfall. The best months are the winter months.
Timings and Fees to visit the Yana Caves ?
Visiting the Yana Caves during the daytime is preferred, and there is no fee for visiting there.
Are there any special permissions required to visit the Yana Caves?
No additional permissions are required.
What are a few places to visit while seeing the Yana Caves?
While visiting the Yana Caves, plan a trip to the Jog Falls and Sirsi district.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
